Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a life sentence for Kendall Thigpen-Watkins, 34, following his conviction for the attempted capital murder of his 8-year-old son. The decision came after a tense trial detailing the events leading up to the attempted murder, according to the Collin County District Attorney's Office.
Dated June 23, 2023, McKinney police officers reacted to a 911 call placed by Thigpen-Watkins's wife, concerning threats made by her husband against himself and their son, according to officials. Arriving at the scene, the officers found themselves unable to coax Thigpen-Watkins out of the house. With the child's safety at the forefront of their concern, the decision was made to force entry.
Inside, they discovered Thigpen-Watkins and his son hanging from ropes tied around their necks, an image marking the brink of tragedy. Officer Jason Ogburn, with help from colleagues Officer Joe Mendez, Aaron Seymour, and Zachary Hamilton, intervened, saving both lives. "Thanks to the swift and courageous actions of McKinney officers, this child's life was saved from a tragic fate at the hands of the very person who should have protected him," Willis stated after the sentencing, as per the Collin County District Attorney's Office.
Evidence presented during the trial included testimony from witnesses regarding Thigpen-Watkins's previous behavior throughout the divorce process, which included stalking his wife and an instance of discharging a firearm at a third party. Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case, delivering the maximum penalty permitted by law to Thigpen-Watkins. The jury found Thigpen-Watkins guilty, a verdict that brings closure to a disturbing chapter for the family involved.
The proceedings were handled by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashlyn Scott and Dewey Mitchell, receiving support from District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller. In light of this outcome, the focus now shifts towards the well-being and recovery of the son and mother as they embark on the healing process.
